Dr Nick Toalster is an ophthalmologist with highly advanced training in cataract, glaucoma, pterygium and corneal microsurgery. He prioritises a reassuring, communicative, patient-centred approach using the latest medical technology.
Rewarding relationships
Dr Toalster has many long-term patients who become like old friends as the years go on. Even after nearly 25 years in practice, he still finds it exhilarating when a patient returns the day after surgery, full of joy about how much their vision has improved.
Empathy lies at the heart of Dr Toalster’s approach to patient care as he understands how worried you may feel when there are concerns about your eyesight. His goal is to transform the patient experience into a wholly positive one, where you benefit from clear communication and collaborative decision-making about your eye health surrounded by caring staff.
Professional journey
Dr Toalster was a clinical optometrist for several years. During that time, he benefited from fantastic mentors who encouraged him to retrain as an ophthalmologist.
Looking back over his career so far, Dr Toalster is particularly proud to have:
- Belonged to a team that developed the latest non-graft, cell-based regeneration technique for Fuch’s corneal dystrophy
- Been an early adopter of the latest minimally invasive glaucoma surgeries (MIGS), such as iStents, (Glaukos)
- Led the development of a collaborative glaucoma co-management program at Royal Brisbane Women’s Hospital and QUT
- Been a founding member of the Diversity & Inclusiveness Committee of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists
- Gained overseas experience in India and South Africa.
Training, qualifications, and memberships
Dr Toalster’s extensive training encompasses optometry, ophthalmology and rigorous sub-specialist training.
Qualifications:
- 2002: Bachelor of Applied Science in Optometry (with Honours), Queensland University of Technology
- 2010: Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (with Honours), University of Queensland
After gaining his medical degree, Dr Toalster moved to Sydney to train as an ophthalmologist. During his final year, he was chosen to be the Professorial Senior Ophthalmology Registrar.
Following this, he embarked on an additional two years of fellowship sub-specialisation at:
- Sydney Eye Hospital learning the latest corneal transplant techniques and cell-based therapies
- Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital honing the latest advanced glaucoma treatments.
- Fellow of the Royal Australian & New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists (FRANZCO)
- Eye Bank Association of Australia and New Zealand (EEBANZ)
- World Glaucoma Association
- Visiting Medical Officer, Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital
- Australian Society of Ophthalmologists.
Areas of professional expertise
In both his public and private practice, Dr Toalster treats the full range of complex eye diseases.
Dr Toalster specialises in treating diseases of the front of the eye. He notes that this is a very small part of the body to work on! But it’s a fascinating one too and a vitally important focus for patient wellbeing.
Thanks to his sub-specialty training, Dr Toalster can treat a broad range of conditions that impact patients, including:
- Cataracts
- Glaucoma
- Corneal disease
- Ptyergium
- Retinal conditions
- Ocular surface cancer.
Dr Toalster is an early adopter of new technologies and uses:
- Micro-implants for corneal transplant surgery
- Lasers to treat glaucoma and retinal conditions
- Cell-based therapies
- Minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS).
Research and teaching
Dr Toalster’s research interests include retinal disease injection therapy, contact lenses and corneal genetic disease. His current research focuses on ocular surface cancer and minimally invasive glaucoma surgery devices. He has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals and often presents his findings at conferences.
Keen to train the next generation of medical students and junior eye surgeons, Dr Toalster holds several highly regarded academic and teaching positions at prestigious organisations including:
- Senior Lecturer, University of Queensland and University of Sydney
- Guest Lecturer, University of Otago, Ophthalmology Preparation course
- RANZCO Optics Examiner
- RANZCO Curriculum Committee Member
- RANZCO Diversity & Inclusiveness Committee Member
- Registrar Teacher of the Year 2016, University of Sydney.
Personal interests
Dr Toalster and his partner love to cook and enjoy hosting dinner parties and chatting late into the night with their friends.
Dr Toalster is happiest on the water and loves to sail. If only there was more time in the week!
Vision for the future
Dr Toalster has been working in eye care for nearly 25 years now. Each year has seen step-by-step improvements in care, leading to better surgeries and happier patients.
He wants to see that trend continue. Today’s technology is so staggeringly precise that it’s hard to imagine it could get any better but history shows that medicine is always evolving. It’ll be fascinating to see how ophthalmology changes in the coming years and how that benefits patients.
Schedule a consultation
Dr Toalster consults at OKKO Specialist Eye Centre’s locations in Auchenflower and Mt Gravatt. To benefit from his expertise, please book a consultation with Dr Toalster today.
